The Hurry-Up: Volume 5

NORMAN – The Oklahoma football team nears the conclusion of preseason camp in preparation for the 2025 season. The fifth edition of SoonerSports.com's annual Q&A series, "The Hurry-Up", features senior tight end Jaren Kanak and redshirt junior defensive back Gentry Williams.

TE Jaren Kanak

How has camp been for you and the team?

"Great. We've had an incredible camp. The guys are going at it. We're getting better across the board and there are a lot of guys that are competing and playing good football. Personally, I'm having a lot of fun making this transition to offense and doing what I love—playing football with great guys."

What are your early thoughts on the offense and the tight end room?

"I think we have an incredible, dynamic offense. We can make plays anywhere on the field. I couldn't ask for a better position room to be in. These guys are my best friends, and we push each other every day and we're very competitive. We just want to do everything we can to help this team win and help this offense succeed. I think we're going to have success this year. We have a lot of guys that really care."

What was your biggest challenge moving from offense to defense?

"I'd say just making that transition to different technique styles. I've spent three years trying to pound in these defensive habits and now, just flipping 180 and going back to the offensive side is a little different. There's still technique stuff that I have to work on and obviously I'm a little undersized for the position so really utilizing the proper technique and proper leverage to be able to be a successful tight end along with the blocking game. It's something that I've really worked on throughout camp."

What's the excitement level to play someone other than your teammates here in a few weeks?

"No doubt. Every year you get to that point where you're tired of beating up on your own guys and you're super pumped and chomping at the bit to get there and play against someone else. We just want to put on display what we've been working towards. Super excited and super anxious for that."

DB Gentry Williams

How has camp been going?

"It's been great. It's been competitive. Going back and forth with the offense has been good. You know, we're getting each other better, we're working. Obviously, we all have the same goal at the end of the day, so it's been great."

How's the defensive back room looking and what is your leadership role within the room?

"Yeah, I'm trying to step into that vocal leader role. But you know, also trying to lead by example – half and half. I think Eli Bowen did a great job last year by leading by example, you know, a younger guy, trusting the technique and doing what you need to do."

Have there been any young guys who have stuck out to you throughout camp?

All three of the young guys (at cornerback)—Courtland Guillory, Trystan Haynes, and then Maleik Hawkins have all stepped up in big ways. Then Devon Jordan and Jeremiah Newcombe are two second-year guys that have made tremendous strides."

What are you most excited about this season?

"I'd say just being back with the guys after missing a whole year. Having those fun hotel moments, traveling with the guys, running out that tunnel. Just making plays again, that's what I'm excited for."

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TE Jaren Kanak

DB Gentry Williams

Players Mentioned

Eli Bowen

Courtland Guillory

Trystan Haynes

Devon Jordan

Jaren Kanak

Jeremiah Newcombe

Gentry Williams

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics